§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate he has of investment in integrated services digital networks in Wales; and if he will list by geographical location the networks so far completed in Wales and those for which definite plans exist;
(2) what estimate he has of investment in integrated services digital network 2 in Wales; and if he will list by geographical location the integrated services digital network 2 installations in Wales and those for which definite plans exist.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 5 March 1991]: The information requested is primarily for the telecommunica-tions companies concerned.
387WBritish Telecom offers two types of ISDN service, ISDN 2 for small to medium-sized organisations, and ISDN 30 for large organisations. ISDN 2 is currently available in Cardiff, Cwmbran, Llanrumney, Neath, Newport Gwent, Port Talbot, Rhyl, Swansea and Wrexham. By the end of March 1991, the service should also be available in Llanelli, Maeglas and Pembroke. By the end of 1991, British Telecom plans to make ISDN 2 available in every major high street and business centre, subject to identified market demand. ISDN 30 is now available to all large organisations whose digital switchboards can be connected to a local digital exchange.
§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate he has of investment in the installation of digital exchanges in Wales; and if he will list by geographical location the exchanges so far installed in Wales and those for which definite plans exist;
(2) what estimate he has of investment in the upgrading of cabling in Wales.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 5 March 1991]: The information requested is primarily for the telecommunications companies concerned. British Telecom has a running investment programme of approximately £100 million per annum for network modernisation in Wales and the Marches. Almost every major town is now served by a digital exchange. In addition, Mercury's digital trunk network extends to Swansea, Cardiff and Newport.